Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1 $600k Gr 1 Champagne Stakes with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps – he has included the potential for a damp track in his thoughts. Good luck!
Randwick R7 – $600k Gr1 Champagne Stakes (2YO) 1600m
1. DON CORLEONE (11) 14242
T; Team Snowden / J: James McDonald (56.5kg)
On performances run thus far, he has proven to be the best of the juveniles in this race, and will finish like a train. Seems to be looking for this trip. Held up coming to the turn before flashing home and 2nd in the 1400m Gr 1 Sires’ last start. Looks a great bet. Big threat.
2. MILITARIZE (7) 1301
T: Chris Waller / J: Joao Moreira (56.5kg)
Has loads of talent and could not have been more impressive storming home and racing away to win the Gr 1 Sires’ easily beating Don Corleone and Pier Pressure. That was on a very heavy track and did get all the right right runs. Placed in the Gr 2 Todman on a drier track. Keep safe.
3. Amur (9)
T: Joe Pride / J; – (59kg)
SCRATCHED
4. TOM KITTEN (6) 4151
T: James Cummings/ J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg)
Top class emerging star. Came with a wet sail to win this trip last week here in a Gr 3. So is seasoned and very strong late. Bound to run on.
5. BASES LOADED (10) 1335
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / J: Tim Clark (56.5kg)
Tough, front-running colt. The trip is his biggest hurdle. Led and swamped late by Militarize and Don Corleone in 1400m Sires’ last start missing a place. Place show.
6. MAKE A CALL (4) 4×326342
T: Team Snowden / J: Tom Marquand (56.5kg)
Good solid, fit handicapper who is still a maiden but one with wheels. Has two placings in stakes races thus far, latest when flying home for 2nd this trip here in the Fernhill behind Tom Kitten. Probably should have won that day. Has place claims as he’s very fit.
7. FELIX THE SCAT (12) 53×12
T: Team Hulbert /J: Brenton Avdulla (56.5kg)
This is a rather large step up in class but there is something about this Queenslander that screams – talented. He just runs like a stayer of the future and may well finish hard at big odds and grab a place.
8. KINTYRE (5) 90×6125
T: Gary Portelli /J: Craig Williams (56.5kg)
Has won a race but is mainly regarded as a mid-weeker and therefore this will test. Led and weakened out of a place in the Fernhill last start behind Tom Kitten.
9. TOWNSEND (8) 13
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / J: Brett Prebble (56.5kg)
Is improving with racing and while this may be a prep too soon, he is going to develop into a smart stayer. On pace and tired last little bit when 3rd in the 1600m Fernhill here last Saturday. Quick back up probably suits but this is a tougher assignment.
10. TANNHAUSER (1) 304
T: Chris Waller / J: Jason Collett (56.5kg)
Maiden galloper but the stable has time for him. Made ground late when 4th in the Fernhill this trip last week. Not likely to bother these but look for him next prep.
11. PIER PRESSURE (2) 353
T: Kris Lees/ J: Dylan Gibbons (54.5kg)
Shocked at $151 last start when flying home from the back and running an eye-catching 3rd in the Gr 1 Sires’ behind Militarize and Don Corleone. If she repeats that she is a major player here. Still a maiden though after 3 runs but is clearly talented.
12. MAH ALI (3) 4
T: Ben Smith /J: – (54.5kg)
Beaten out of a place in a provincial maiden last start on debut. This is way too rich.
